Winter 2016 I www.ogr.org
速
2016
Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase Preview
Inside: Ensure You're Secure Conference Highlights 2016-2018 Board Candidates
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www.ogr.org | The Independent®
23
Table of Contents
Inside OGR
7
Feeling Insecure? Learn how to protect your customers and your business from hackers.
10
2016 Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase Take a peak at what we have in store for Vegas: education, entertainment, Elvis & more!
16
Call for Nominations The prestigious Golden Light Award & The Golden Rule Community Service Award.
18
2016 - 2018 Board Candidates Meet the four candidates running for two seats.
21
Young Professionals Brian McMurrough, shares his devotion to the profession, family, and adventure.
24
2016 Webinars OGR's Webinar Series offers members 3 ways to learn & earn.
26
Young Professionals Event - Austin, TX Funeral service professionals under 40 are invited to Austin, TX for this first time event.
CALENDAR
President’s Message
5
Member Spotlight
22
Your Membership
24
Member News 28 In Memoriam
30
Exemplary Service
32
Milestone Anniversaries
34
New Members & Supply Partners
35
OF EVENTS
[February 11]
[February 28 - 29]
[March 8]
Webinar All You Need to Know to Reach Your Families – Creating a Facebook Business Page Ryan Thogmartin, DISRUPT Media Co.
Young Professionals Event Fresh Approaches Austin, TX
Webinar Maintaining Quality and Productive Personnel Jake Johnson, Johnson Consulting Group
[April 7]
[April 27-30]
Webinar Do’s and Don’ts: A Closer Look at Prep Room Safety Lance Ray, Pierce Chemical
Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase Las Vegas, NV
Register for all events online at www.ogr.org/events
The Independent® | Winter 2016
3
The Independent® is a benefit of membership in the International Order of the Golden Rule (OGR), a not-for-profit organization tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, Federal ID No. 43-1828432. Published quarterly, The Independent® is mailed the first full week of each new quarter. Send address changes to OGR, Attn: Mailing List, 9101 Burnet Rd., Suite 120, Austin, TX 78758. © 2015 International Order of the Golden Rule. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Non-member subscriptions (USD): One year: $40; two years: $60; single copy: $11.50. Founded in 1928, OGR is composed of independently owned and operated funeral homes located throughout North America and overseas. Editorial material and letters of opinion are invited. Published articles reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association. OGR reserves the right to edit all submitted materials and does not assume responsibility for unsolicited materials. For author guidelines, contact the editor, (800) 637-8030, or visit www.ogr.org.
BOAR D OF D IR EC TOR S President William Brock, Jr. CFSP
President-Elect Peter “Skip” Urban
Secretary-Treasurer Charles Castiglia, CSFP
Immediate Past President Wayne “Bud” Wieting Directors Thomas L. Hemmerle
ADVERTISER’S INDEX
Richard O'Hara
Adam Miles Martin John Vincent Scalia
Access Financial Group........................................25, 27 Chris Chigas, (800) 487-8220, ext. 8233 cc@afinancial.com | www.afinancial.com AMDF.........................................................................35 (413) 268-7660 amdf@macular.org | www.macular.org
STAFF
Executive Director Mark Allen, CAE
Membership & Scott F. McClure Communications Director Staff Diane Durbin
Answering Service for Directors .....................................27 Kevin Czachor, (800) 868-9950 sales@myasd.com | www.myasd.com
Maureen Hayes
C& J Financial .............................................Back Cover Jamie Meredith, (800) 785-0003 jamiem@cjf.com | www.cjf.com/org
Michael Ryan
The Foresight Companies ..........................................20 Catherine Belliveau, (602) 274-6464 catherine@f4sight.com | www.f4sight.com.com The Judith Roth Collection...............Inside Front Cover Judith Roth, (800) 413-4455 judith@jrcal.com | www.jrcal.com Nicodeumus & Associates ..........................................17 Mike Nicodemus, (757) 503-3576 mikenicodemus@cox.net | www.cremationsuccess.com
Gael Murdoch
Denise Rodriguez Jessica A. Smith Design & Layout Scott F. McClure Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher. The advertisement of any product or service in The Independent® does not represent an endorsement of such product or service by OGR. Classified Advertising: line ads: $1.10 per word; display classified ads: $30 per col. inch. Call the communications department to reserve space or to request a rate card and mechanical specifications. OGR does not accept ads that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability or any other federally protected class. Printer
360 Press Solutions, Cedar Park, TX
Publisher
International Order of the Golden Rule 9101 Burnet Rd., Suite 120 Austin, Texas 78758 (800) 637-8030 Fax: (512) 334-5514 Email: info@ogr.org Website: www.ogr.org
The Independent® |
4
www.ogr.org | The Independent®
Winter 2016 | Volume 19 | Issue 1
President’s Message
New Year, New Beginnings. by Bill Brock
T
he presents have been opened, the decorations are put away, and the fireworks have gone silent. It is time to start a new beginning in the New Year. A new year brings new opportunities, new successes, and new reasons to celebrate and be thankful. As we start our journey into 2016, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your membership in our association and your support throughout the past year. 2015 was a great year at OGR and it is all thanks to you, our many members, friends, and suppliers.
to take advantage of this information for the betterment of their business. The leadership hopes to give you the information you need, when you need it. Fourth, we have often been told that membership in OGR is about relationships. It’s about like-minded professionals coming together to make independently owned funeral homes exceptional. We are determined to make it easier for memberto-member engagement and to encourage online communication as a source of idea exchange. Who knows what ails you more than someone just like you? Coming together as a whole will keep us together as a group.
"Your association has big plans for 2016 and they involve each and every one of our members."
Your association has big plans for 2016, and they involve each and every one of our members. Your participation in and support of our objectives is crucial to the success and growth of OGR. I am very excited to be a part of OGR’s strategic plan and what it has laid out for the upcoming years. I would like to give you, the beneficiary, a closer look at what the Board of Directors and leadership have planned for you and the association. Our first objective involves the appropriate selection of Board members based on specific skills and industry expertise. To have an effective and successful Board of Directors, we must elect those who have defined leadership experience and will use their skills to advance the association’s goals and directly support our mission, vision, and values. Second, OGR is committed to providing the membership with resources necessary to the success of your funeral home business. Exclusive member discounts, bulk buying opportunities, support for community outreach programs, and employment resources are among the resources you can expect from your membership. Third, a large benefit of membership in OGR is the availability of various educational opportunities. We have expanded our learning programs so that more members have better chance
In line with these four objectives are two fantastic learning and social opportunities in the coming months. OGR is hosting its first ever Young Professionals Event in Austin, TX this February. Jessica Smith, OGR Assistant Executive Director, has put together a great event for funeral professionals 40 and under. (I missed this one by a hair.) If you are, or employ a “YP”, this is a can’t miss event for education, idea exchange as well as food, music and fun in Austin. Let’s make this inaugural meeting one for the record books. “What happens in Vegas..?”, well to find out, you’re going to have to join us for OGR’s 2016 Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase in Las Vegas this April 27-30. We have an unbelievable show planned with knockout education, your OGR supply partners, and first class entertainment. Don’t be the one that misses this year’s conference. It’s too big to miss. Together as a cohesive whole, we can move forward as the strongest and most successful group of independent funeral home operators anywhere. It just requires you, me, and us to make this a reality. Thank you for allowing me to lead this awesome group into the New Year.
Bill Brock, President The Independent® | Winter 2016
5
Family Contact MAILING SERVICE
Tired of mailing surveys?
Sign up for the Family Contact Mailing Service.
OPTION
For only $1 per address, we'll do all the work for you.
FAMILY CONTACT The Family Contact Program is the best way to secure the quality of your funeral home business using family feedback. We created the new mailing service option to make using the Family Contact Program as convenient as possible. Whether you don't have time to send out family feedback surveys or whether you prefer to have less work to worry about, let OGR do it for you and receive a full report every month. To learn more about the Family Contact Mailing Service Option or to inquire about the Family Contact Program, contact Denise Rodriguez at drodriguez@ogr.org or (800) 637-8030.
6
www.ogr.org | The Independent速
Don't Fall Asleep at the Wheel
Is your data secure?
By Eric Castiglia, President Memorial Payment Solutions, OGR Supply Partner & Charles Castiglia, Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, Hamburg, NY
R
emember the days of practicing the funeral profession and your only concern was to provide exceptional service to the grieving and their loved ones. Not anymore. We live in an increasingly complicated world. We all know what the issues are: consolidation, cremation, cash flow, government regulations, baby boomers, taxes, continuing education, personalization‌. You get my point. The funeral business is not as straight forward as it once was. We could sit back and pine away for the heyday of our beloved industry, when funerals and businesses were simple, but what good does that do. It only increases anxiety over what we face before us and creates a defeated attitude. Our industry is ready to explode and opportunities abound for the above average funeral provider. Isn’t that exactly what OGR members are? The opportunities to provide custom, meaningful services are limitless. Technology can be our friend and assist us on this journey. While technology offers us unlimited opportunity for our businesses, it also provides some serious challenges. Mainly, security is of utmost importance. Families want to be able to pay us the same way they are used to paying for any service; credit cards, loans, insurance, etc. But the government is put-
ting the burden on the small business to protect the payment information with severe penalties if we do not. We use computers to make our processes more streamlined and efficient, while increasing our service levels to those we serve. But did you know that forty-seven states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have enacted legislation requiring private, governmental, or educational entities to notify individuals of security breaches of information involving personally identifiable information. Isn't that what we collect every time we do a pre-arrangement or at need call? We collect personal identifiable information. Many of the laws regarding credit card information protection (PCI Compliance) and personal identifiable information notification laws can put an average sized funeral home out of business between the fines and bad publicity if there is a security breach. Many states require a business that has been breached to notify the major media outlets and send notification to all of your customers that their information was compromised.
The IndependentÂŽ | Winter 2016
7
How?
• Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect cardholder data
• Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for sys-
tem passwords and other security parameters
• Protect stored cardholder data • Encrypt transmission of cardholder data across open, public networks
What can you do today? • Issue each system user a unique ID and password
• Do not share IDs or passwords • Don't assign users administrative access unless necessary
• Remove inactive user accounts within 90 days
• Change user passwords every 90 days We are an industry of trust. Families entrust their departed loved ones into our care. There is no more sacred trust than the relationship between a family and their funeral director. We cannot afford to allow any compromise of that trust. Otherwise, we will be out of business shortly, because bad news travels fast, especially if the media is involved. If we fall asleep at the wheel, we lose everything. But with a little preparation, protection, and partnering with the right providers, we can reduce the chances of that happening. What can we do about it? In closing, things are constantly changing! As last year comes to a close and Congress goes back into session, we are once again waiting to see if Congress finally takes action to provide direction, clarity, and order to the current patchwork that makes up state Data Security and Breach Notification legislation. At this point, 47 of our 50 states have Data Security and Breach Notification rules in place. In 2015, at least 32 of the states have either passed or are considering enhancements to their current legislation. The trend is to expand what is considered Personally Identifiable Information (PII), define how the disclosure of this infor-
• Use and regularly update anti-virus software • Develop and maintain secure systems and applications
• Restrict access to cardholder data by business need-to-know
• Assign a unique ID to each person with computer access
• Restrict physical access to cardholder data • Track and monitor all access to network resources and cardholder data
• Regularly test security systems and processes • Maintain a policy that addresses information security
mation will be reported, and provide financial ramifications for the loss or compromise of this information. Furthermore, many of these laws now apply based on the residency of the injured party, not the state in which the incident occurs. This means, when an event occurs at a firm in Iowa, but involves consumers from California and New York, the merchant may be required to follow the regulations for those states.
Learn More: • Sign up and take the OGR webinar Uncheckable: Taking the Mystery Out of Compliance.
• Attend the OGR Annual Conference & Supplier
Showcase and attend the class on compliance policies and procedures.
• Work with a payment solutions provider that offers the technologies to offer simple payment options for your families like they're used to.
• Work with a provider than can help you secure your network.
Matrix that summarizes all state data security breach notification laws can be found at: http://www.mintz.com/newsletter/2007/PrivSec-DataBreachLaws-02-07/state_data_breach_matrix.pdf
8
www.ogr.org | The Independent®
YOUR MEMBERSHIP
just got
Graphic
&DESIGN
SOLUTIONS
Better
OGR’s Benefits got creative Graphic & Design Solutions −Need new presentation folders? −Need a layout for your local newspaper ad? −Need a banner for web advertising? −Co-Branding “Have the Talk of a Lifetime”? OGR’s
Graphic & Design Solutions has you covered!
As an OGR member, you can now take advantage of in-house graphic & design services for a fraction of the cost of outside vendors. For a nominal fee*, we will lay out your artwork, logo and/or copy for any number of advertising venues. Make OGR your Graphic & Design Solution!
*For more information and pricing, contact Scott McClure at smcclure@ogr.org or call (800)637-8030. The Independent® | Winter 2016 9
57 april 27 - 30 | las vegas, nv
See You in Vegas April 27 - 30, 2016
C
ome to OGR’s 2016 Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase in Las Vegas, NV, ready to have a good time. Half days education & later sessions allow time for you to explore Vegas and sleep in. With a “Welcome to Vegas Opening Night Party” in the Supplier Showcase, half days of education, and a Rat Pack Soiree, you’ll have a blast conducting business and collaborating with your colleagues, friends, and suppliers.
10 www.ogr.org | The Independent®
What happens in Vegas...
is great!
Welcome to Vegas Opening Night Party
The Beatles® LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil®
Wednesday, April 27, 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 29, 6:00 p.m.
This year’s kickoff event will feature Vegasinspired cocktails, appetizers, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley! Mingle in the showcase, enjoy live Vegas entertainment, and get pumped up for the rest of the conference. Marilyn & Elvis will leave the building at 6 p.m., so come early!
Discover—or rediscover—your favorite Beatles songs as LOVE envelops you in music. Presented in the round, this Cirque du Soleil® show bursts and hums as trampoline jumpers, rain-booted dancers, and skaters present reimaginations of song lyrics. In-seat speakers ensure that you don't miss a note. 20 seats available. Cost: $135 per person.
Rat Pack Soiree Saturday, April 30, 6:30 PM
We hope this year’s banquet will make you feel so young. Featuring a red carpet, Rat Pack look-alikes and performers, and swanky décor, this soiree will transport you to the glamour of the 1950’s. Come dressed to impress and enjoy an evening that they can’t take away from you.
Tropicana Las Vegas, 3801 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Join us in Vegas at the Tropicana! On the south end of the strip, the Tropicana Las Vegas will wow you with a $200 million transformation which provides a casually elegant resort experience. The resort is now one of the best casino hotel properties with all-new rooms and suites, a casino, award-winning restaurants, a spa and fitness center.
Reservations: visit us online at www.ogr.org/annual-conference or call the Tropicana at (800) 634-4000. Ask for OGR’s conference rate (group code SOGR4) when you call. The Rate: $95/week night & $145/weekend night (+$9.99 resort fee & 12% tax) The Deadline: Wednesday, April 6, 2016. This rate is only guaranteed while rooms are available. The Airport: Fly into McCarran International Airport (LAS – 3 miles from hotel). The Independent® | Winter 2016 11
E D U C A T I O N Sessions
Keynote: Strategies for Moving from Surviving to Thriving – Clay
Clark, Founder of Thrive15.com, 1 CEU Passion for what you do has been proven to be a driving force for the success of any business, yet many people don’t enjoy what they do for a living. By changing your mentality about your business and learning from successful people, you can make your funeral home thrive.
• Discuss the habits of successful and unsuccessful people.
• Discover how to over-deliver to client families by implementing new customer service tips.
• Implement daily time management strategies from
business experts and millionaires to inject passion into your work.
How Body Presentation Can Make or Break the Casket – Matt Smith, Mor-bid.com, 1 CEU With cremation on the rise, funeral directors experience more pressure than ever to flawlessly present the body when there’s a viewing. Matt will share tips and techniques to make your embalming and body presentation the best in town and create a more comfortable and meaningful experience for the family.
• Learn better techniques for mouth closure and smile setting.
• Discover the secrets for easy body dressing and body placement.
• Navigate the pros and cons of makeup vs. airbrushing.
12 www.ogr.org | The Independent®
How "Have the Talk of a Lifetime" Will Increase ROI: A Case Study – Quinn Eagan, Pre-need Funeral Program, 1 CEU
You’ve probably heard of Have the Talk of a Lifetime®, but do you know how it can increase your revenue? Learn how to implement the program in ways that can bring more preneed to your funeral home. Quinn will share real-life examples of how funeral homes have successfully used program tools to increase their community visibility.
• Understand why Have the Talk of a Lifetime® is crucial to funeral service.
• Discover free and simple-to-use tools available to you. • Find out how others have used the program to attract potential customers and increase their bottom lines.
The WHY of Meaningful Funerals: Helping Families Make Transformations – Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Center for Loss and Life Transition, 2 CEUs
A growing number of families see little value in holding a funeral service. Fight back! This motivational, information-rich workshop will show you how to convey the value of meaningful funerals to families and articulate WHY funerals are essential.
• Learn to arrange funerals as a “facilitator,” not an order taker.
• Easily overcome a multitude of common objections to memorializing loved ones.
• Convey the value of the funeral service at every step of the planning process.
Unsolved Embalming Mysteries– Matt Smith, Mor-bid.com, 1 CEU
Attendees will work in small groups guided by Matt Smith to solve common embalming problems. This collaborative session will give embalmers, funeral directors, and staff a chance to examine common body appearance challenges and find solutions for the prep room.
• Examine 4 real-life case studies. • Brainstorm ways to solve challenges. • Win valuable prizes for coming up with the best solution.
Unhackable: Procedures for Protecting You & Your Client Families’ Info– Eric Castiglia,
Memorial Payment Solutions, 1.5 CEUs Eric Castiglia’s Fall Forum presentation on data security basics was so popular, OGR asked him to present practical information at the Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase. He will show you policies that make your firm more secure, keep your customers' information safe and minimize your funeral home's legal liability.
• Walk away with a comprehensive overview of policies. • Discover step-by-step procedures for implementing each policy.
Member Led, 1.5 CEUs
Closing Session: Funeral Service: Intersection of Service & Profit–
The most helpful ideas often come from your colleagues. Join us for roundtable discussions on issues you’re currently facing. In this year’s Great Ideas Exchange, members will share new ways to tackle challenges and provide exceptional service to families. Come prepared with questions and your own best practices to contribute to the annual networking exchange.
If you want to improve your funeral home’s profitability, you must attend this no-holds-barred-session. Financial and management consultant Dan Isard will reveal the services for which consumers are willing to pay – regardless of the size of the business. This closing session will help you differentiate your offerings and stand out from your competitors.
Great Ideas Exchange–
Dan Isard, The Foresight Companies, 1 CEU
• Identify techniques that will help generate revenue. • Learn to increase market share without wasting dollars. • Discover which services consumers really want.
Continuing Ed. The Annual Conference will offer up to 10 CEUs in states where approved. Visit www.ogr.org/ceus for a current list of approvals.
Post-Conference Webinars
Ensure your staff won’t miss out on conference education! Four of this year’s sessions will be repeated in May and July via webinar at no additional cost* to you. Sign up at www.ogr.org/webinars. *These webinars are a free member benefit. Minimal fee for members who require CE credit.
The Independent® | Winter 2016 13
S C H E D U L E at-a-glance
Wednesday, April 27 3:00 p.m.
Registration Opens
5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Welcome to Vegas Opening Night Party (Supplier Showcase)
Thursday, April 28 8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:45 – 10:00 a.m.
Keynote: Strategies for Moving from Surviving to Thriving
10:00 – 12:00 a.m.
Supplier Showcase
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Awards Luncheon
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
How Body Presentation Can Make or Break the Casket
2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Supplier Showcase
4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
How Have the Talk of a Lifetime Will Increase ROI: A Case Study
6:30 p.m.
Dutch Treat Dinners
9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Late Night Presidential Happy Hour (by invitation only)
Friday, April 29 8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:45 – 10:45 a.m. The WHY of Meaningful Funerals: Helping Families Make Transformations 10:55 – 11:15 a.m.
Memorial Service
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Unsolved Embalming Mysteries 6:00 p.m.
The Beatles® LOVE™ by Cirque du Soleil® (tickets sold separately)
Saturday, April 30 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Annual Business Meeting
9:45 – 11:15 a.m.
Great Ideas Exchange
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Unhackable: Procedures for Protecting You & Your Client Families’ Info 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Lunch / Closing - Funeral Service: Intersection of Service & Profit
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Rat Pack Soiree
14 www.ogr.org | The Independent®
Did You Know? Our Welcome to Vegas Opening Party will take the place of the traditional Welcome Reception. Come ready to mingle in the Supplier Showcase with our fabulous suppliers, Elvis, and Marilyn, drink cocktails, and catch up with friends. OGR’s Gone Mobile! Download our conference app online to access presentation handouts, area maps, attendee, exhibitor, & speaker information, and so much more! Mini-education Sessions on the Showcase floor – Learn from 15-minute sessions, which will help you save time and money. Half-days of Education – Attend education on Fri. and Sat. mornings and take the afternoons and evenings to play in Vegas. Invite Prep Room Staff/Young Professionals, get a discount! If you bring a technician or a young professional (member under the age of 40), you’ll receive $50 off your registration when they register. Use the discount code: TECH/YP when registering. Join the conversation online! www.facebook.com/goldenrulefh @goldenrulefh
@goldenrulefh
57 april 27 - 30 | las vegas, nv
2016 Annual Conference Attendee Registration Form Firm __________________________________________________________________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________________________________ City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code ________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________ Fax _____________________________________ All full registrants who are Prep-Room Staff (non-owner) or Under 40 Young Professionals, take $50 OFF registration total per person.
Attendee Registration Exhibitor Registration Form is available at www.ogr.org/annual-conference q 1st Full Registrant Name___________________________________ Lic# (includes all events EXCEPT Beatles Show) e-mail q Addl. Full Registrant Name_________________________________ Lic# (includes all events EXCEPT Beatles Show) e-mail q Social Guest(s) Name (includes all events EXCEPT Education & Beatles Show) e-mail q One-Day (Th./Fri./Sat.) Name _______________________________ Lic# (includes day of educational sessions, breakfast & lunch) e-mail q Student Name___________________________________________ Lic# (includes all events EXCEPT Beatles Show) e-mail
Members
Non-Members
$769
$869
$699
$799
$469
$569
$369
$419
$269
$369
Optional Tickets q Additional Welcome to Vegas Party Tickets - Wed., April 27 q Dutch Treat Dinner - Thursday, April 28 q Additional Awards Luncheon tickets - Thursday, April 28 q Beatles Love Show - Friday, April 29 q Additional Rat Pack Soiree tickets - Saturday, April 30
Qty: __________ x $100 each Qty: __________ on own Qty: __________ x $65 each Qty: __________ x $135 each Qty: __________ x $130 each
Ticket name(s) _______________________________________________________________________________ q Young Professional/Prep-Room Staff (non-owner) $50 Discount
Payment Method q Check: amount of $____________(payable to OGR in USD).
Charge: q AmEx q Discover q MasterCard q Visa Name as it appears on card: ___________________________ Account #:___________________________ Exp Date:______ Signature________________________ *Security Code:_____
Qty: __________ x - $50 each
Total $ ___________________ Check all that apply to your firm; list name(s)
qFirst-time Annual Conference attendee qProspective Member referred by: Name(s):_______________________________
______________________________________ *Small three or four digit number on back; AmEx on front. Registration & Cancellation Policy Full payment must accompany registration. If you are unable to attend, another staff member may attend in your place. If you must cancel, notify OGR in writing no later than 10 days before the conference. Refunds will be processed minus a $75 administrative fee, and no refunds will be made if notified less than 10 days before the event or for no-shows. If you have special dietary or access needs, please contact Jessica Smith at jsmith@ogr.org or (800) 637-8030.
Register online at www.ogr.org/annual-conference Mail to: OGR, 9101 Burnet Rd., Suite 120, Austin, TX 78758, or fax to (512) 334-5514. Email to membership@ogr.org
The Independent速 | Winter 2016 15
Call for Nominations OGR invites you to nominate candidates for the Golden Light Award and the Golden Rule Community Service Award. These awards are presented annually to members who inspire you through leadership and service to the profession and community -- members who define success in terms of what they give back. GOLDEN LIGHT AWARD
GOLDEN RULE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
The OGR Golden Light Award, now in its twelfth year, honors an individual (not a firm) who has made specific, meritorious contributions to society through his or her profession, community or field of voluntary service as career achievements.
The Golden Rule Community Service Award recognizes a firm (not an individual) for outstanding service to the community during the 2015 calendar year. Members are encouraged to submit their own firms.
ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES Funeral homes applying for the Golden Rule Community Service award must: Be an OGR Member Firm in good standing; Supply support materials as evidence of the activity or service, such as press clippings, letters of thanks, testimonials, photos, or governmental citations; (may) Win this award only once every three years
The Golden Light and Golden Rule Community Service award winners will each receive an engraved award and a press release, be recognized at the Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase, and be acknowledged in The Independent™ and on the OGR Website. Submissions must be received by January 31, 2016. For questions about the Golden Light or Golden Rule Community Service Awards, contact Mark Allen at 800-637-8030, or mallen@ogr.org. Download the Awards Entry Form at www.ogr.org/awards.
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The Independent速 | Winter 2016 17
2016 - 2018 Board of Directors Candidates O
GR members will soon elect two candidates to serve two-year terms as Directors-at-Large on OGR’s 2016-2018 Board of Directors. OGR members may vote between February 8 and February 29. Those who have multiple locations (branches) will receive one ballot for each location. The Nominating Committee is recommending the following four . candidates who possess skill sets needed to help OGR move forward. A profile of each candidate follows: James “Jim” Marrocco Owner/Manager, Marrocco Memorial Chapel, Clifton, N.J. Why he’s running for the Board: I have always been an active member of the funeral profession. I know that with my past experiences I can serve OGR well to be a part of the team that will make OGR stronger and more viable in the future. Background: Graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy; Bachelor of Science, Fairleigh Dickinson University; American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service NYC. Career highlights: Seven-time recipient of NFDA’s Pursuit of Excellence Award; serving a 2nd term as President of the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science; Certified Funeral Service Practitioner; Certified Preplanning Consultant; Launched Faithful Companion Pet Cremation Services by Marrocco in 2010; first funeral director to complete the Professional Development Program of The Thanos Institute. Leadership skills: I have served in a leadership capacity in many organizations that I have been a part of. I know that these experiences will serve me well as a member of the Board of Directors. Qualifications for Board service: I am a fourth generation funeral director licensed for 38 years. I am manager and owner of two funeral establishments. I have served on the Products & Service committee and education committee of OGR. Family: Jim is married to Nina and has three children (Jim Jr., Paul and Tracy). Hobbies: Gardening, club participation, traveling, genealogy.
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Mary F. Steele Co-owner, Arnett & Steele Funeral Home, Inc.—Pineville, Ky. Why she’s running for the Board: I believe OGR is moving forward in a positive direction, and I want to assist in continuing to reposition OGR as “THE ORGANIZATION” for independent funeral homes. Background: Graduate of nursing school (RN); graduate of Mid-America College of Funeral Service. Career highlights: First woman on Board and President of Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky; former Chairperson of OGR’s Communication Committee; Certified Funeral Service Practitioner since 1996; NFDA Initiative Award recipient (2007); OGR Community Service Award recipient (2008); serves on the Advisory Board for Mid America College of Funeral Service; formerly served on the Southeast Community and Technical College Funeral School’s Advisory Board (part of the UK Community College System); Certified Preplanning Consultant; and Certified Crematory Operator. Leadership skills: Attention to detail; organization; timeliness; goal oriented; and management skills. Qualifications for Board service: I currently serve on OGR’s Finance and Communications committees; and have served on OGR’s Strategic Planning Task Force. I want to help OGR move forward. Family: Mary is married to Julius “Jay” Steele and has one son (Jason) and one daughter (Margaret). Hobbies: Walking, reading, cross-stitch, jigsaw puzzles, traveling.
John Vincent Scalia Owner, John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Staten Island, New York
Thomas L. Hemmerle Owner, Barnett-Strother Funeral Home, Madisonville, Kentucky
Why he’s running for the Board: I want to be re-elected to continue the work we have done the last two years to ensure the strategic plan which our board has created to assist our members to market their funeral homes, pre arrangement programs, cremains choices and to help keep more of their earnings through discount purchases. If we do all of the above; the value of our organization will create increased membership and ensure our future as “The Family Owned Funeral Service Organization.”
Why he’s running for the Board: I have grown personally and professionally with the OGR organization, and I would love nothing more than to give back to the group that has served me.
Background: Licensed funeral director (NY/NJ/PA); graduate of American Academy of Funeral Services, Dodge Institute of Mortuary Science and New York School of Insurance.
Qualifications for Board service: Current OGR Board member; has worked on several OGR committees and with the Kentucky Funeral Directors Association to help educate and build the funeral profession.
Career highlights: Founded John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, New York Burial and Burial Center, ColonialPioneer Telephone Answering Service, National Anatomical Service, Bermuda Cremation Service, Family Florist, Historic Old Bermuda Inn, Family Limousine Service, Tradition and Trust Funeral Pre-Arrangement Program (co-founder), and American Anatomical Transport; many community service activities and Board service; recipient of numerous community service awards. In 2015, he purchased Hegarty Funeral Home in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Leadership skills: Marketing expertise. Qualifications for Board service: Current OGR Board member; started a currently 500+ funeral home from the ground up; understands the importance of mentoring, ability to share business experience, marketing and personal community involvement. Family: John is married to Cecilia and has two children, Cecilia and John, Jr. Hobbies: Tennis, pilot, owner/lighthouse keeper of the Romer Shoal Shoal Lighthouse in New York Harbor.
Background: Licensed funeral director since 1996 and a licensed embalmer since 2006. Career highlights: To accomplish his dream of owning his own funeral home and making it successful. Leadership skills: Working with others to solve problems.
Family: Tom is married to Natalie and has three sons, Joey, Matthew and Nick. Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, Kentucky Wildcat basketball and football, and traveling with his family.
Ballots will be mailed on February 8
OGR must receive all ballots by February 29. Ballots indicating more than two candidates or without the identification sections filled in will be disqualified. Members may submit ballots by postal mail, e-mail or fax as indicated on the ballot. Members may also vote online February 8 - 29 by visiting www.ogr.org and clicking on the “BOD Ballot”. Contact Mark Allen, OGR Executive Director/CEO, at (800) 637-8030 or mallen@ogr.org for additional information. The Independent® | Winter 2016 19
“With 10 funeral homes and three cemeteries serving over 2000 families we have grown beyond what we can control directly. Foresight’s Human Resource service standardized our policies and procedures to ensure a consistent level of quality service to every family. Dan’s team is instrumental to our improved work environment. The employee manual set clear expectations for both Russ and Doug Weeks our employees and management.” Weeks’ Funeral Home
Foresight Companies, LLC …Because every business needs an edge THE FORESIGHT COMPANIES, LLC MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS · VALUATIONS · MANAGEMENT · ACCOUNTING · CUSTOMER SURVEYS · FINANCING
Call Dan Isard (800) 426-0165 or visit www. f4sight .com
20 www.ogr.org | The Independent®
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS by Denise Rodriguez, OGR Publications & Family Contact Coordinator
BRIAN MCMURROUGH Get to know your fellow member, Brian McMurrough, the Vice President of McMurrough Funeral Chapel in Libertyville, IL. He has worked in the funeral industry for 7 years with his father and family. Brian shares his thoughts and experiences as a funeral professional, family man, and adventurer. Brian with his wife and two children
I HAVE NOTICED... I have noticed that many families are coming in with a lot of information and have done research prior to selecting a funeral home. I think this is great, but I also think families need help interpreting what they are finding. I also realize we have to find ways to educate families without being patronizing.
I MADE A DIFFERENCE... I was able to live stream a service to India for a family whose relatives would have been unable to attend. The family did not know live streaming was possible so they never asked, but when I offered it to them they were so grateful. I know I made a difference for that family and those small moments matter.
I AM INSPIRED... My grandmother Bernice inspires me. She was a truly caring individual and worked at the funeral home for most of her life. She always knew everyone’s name and was the first to have fresh baked cookies for every occasion. I appreciate how impressive she was and how much value she brought to the funeral home. I try to keep her spirit alive and think of her often when I am working with families.
I AM FULL OF SURPRISES... I spent ten years with General Motors as a mechanical engineer. I worked on exciting projects like the hydrogen powered vehicle and was on the Hummer race team of the Baja 1000, but something was always missing. After talking with my father, my wife and I decided to attend mortuary school and get licensed. I have hiked the Appalachian trail – a 2,000+ mile trail that extends from Maine to Georgia. It took me 6 months! Also, I am an avid homebrewer.
QUICK Q's 3 FUTURE GOALS 1. Hire an apprentice and be a mentor. 2. Travel to Ireland. 3. Improve the use of technology in the funeral service industry.
FAVE PHONE APPS For the funeral home, I love the ASD app. They really have revolutionized our ability to manage the funeral from anywhere. Personally, I love Spotify and Slickdeals.
MANTRA/ADVICE Live in the moment.
SOMETHING "GOLDEN" Getting a thank you card from a family.
The Independent® | Winter 2016 21
Member Spotlight
Toland-Herzig:
Over 80 Years Growing the Business. By Denise Rodriguez, OGR Publications and Family Contact Coordinator
G
et to know about long-time member firm Toland-Herzig Funeral Home as owner John Herzig talks about serving families and finding additional revenue streams. Toland-Herzig Funeral Home has operated in Dover, OH, for over 80 years. It was originally founded by John’s grandfather John W. Toland in 1929. John Herzig operates the funeral home with his family including two of his children Tricia and Troy who are the 4th generation to join the business. He and his wife Joyce have three children and seven grandchildren. As OGR members for over 28 years, they have embraced the changing trends of a new generation. “Today, more than ever in history, we see families commemorating the lives of loved ones in a variety of ways. I believe it is really important that we never lose the importance of ceremony regardless of how we celebrate their lives,” says John.
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Personalization is the Name of the Game The funeral home also has both a human and pet crematory located at their main location. With the increase in the number of families choosing cremation, John has had to find more accommodating ways to create valuable service. “We have tried to create more personalization with the use of videos, folders, etc. We encourage families to display items unique to the deceased person. We have also held memorial events at our Monarch Center that include food menus and beverages,” says John.
Expanding Your Business for Families John has expanded his funeral home business in many ways with the goal of catering to the needs of families. He acquired a Friendly’s Restaurant in 1999 and converted it into a reception facility known as the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. It is used by families for funeral receptions as well as anniversary parties, showers, meeting events, etc.
Finding Opportunity with Death Memorabilia Their most unique business venture, however, is the creation of the Famous Endings Museum & Café. The Famous Endings Museum & Café includes the largest collection of memorabilia and artifacts from famous funerals in history. “I wish I could tell you that it was planned but it totally happened by coincidence. I began collecting memorabilia and artifacts from famous funerals for my own enjoyment. I have always been fascinated with the stories from people’s lives,” says John.
Member Spotlight Amidst the changing landscapes of funeral service, John still believes that the most significant aspect of the work he does remains the same, which is “to be able to create a service that is meaningful to families and to be able to do everything possible to fulfill their individual needs.”
Hosting Community Events
John & Joyce Herzig seated at their Famous Endings Museeum When he obtains a piece of memorabilia, he tries to find out as much as he can about the life and death of the famous person who passed away. His collection eventually grew so much that someone suggested that he display it in his funeral home. Today, the museum is frequented by people from all over the country and contains memorabilia from icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
For the future, they are planning to bring back their “Evening to Remember” events that will include different speakers and funeral home tours of their crematories. They also plan to continue their “Walk to Remember” event for the 18th year. “This yearly event is for parents who have lost children at any age. This past October, we had over 200 people at the walk,” says John. To help celebrate the expanded Famous Endings Museum, they plan to host “A Night at the Museum” event.
John has transformed his funeral home into an open space for the public and expanded it to include a dedicated space for his collection of death memorabilia that is also a cafe. He says, “Typically when people visit any funeral home, they want to pay their respects and leave as soon as possible. Since we have added the museum, people actually enjoy spending time looking at the displays.” This has also bred a new tourism aspect to his business where buses come from all over the country for tours and to hear the stories behind the people in the museum. People are also able to use the space for funeral and memorial receptions following services. As a result of his creative efforts, John’s funeral home has received the Readers’ Choice Award for favorite funeral home in the area for the second straight year and an Honorable Mention for their museum. The museum has also been named one of the 50 Tuscarawas Valley Treasures.
One of many Famous Endings display cases.
The Independent® | Winter 2016 23
Your Membership
2016 Series
1
3 8 WAYS to EARN
Our Classic Webinars include 60 minutes of live instruction with polling, PowerPoint slides, and Q&A sections peppered throughout.
2
CEUs
This year you have more opportunities to learn new ideas. We're offering a variety of webinars for different learning styles.
Our Problem-Solution Webinars go in a slightly different direction; think 20 minutes of instruction, followed by 40 minutes of collaborative discussion. For these, we’ll unmute participants and give them the chance to engage in conversation with the facilitator and each other.
3
Finally, our Post-Conference Webinars offer anyone unable to attend OGR’s Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase a second chance to learn crucial information from live encore presentations!
Changes in 2016: One person can receive CE credit per registration. Add additional staff for $50 per person/webinar Member Non-Member
Webinar 8-Package (8 CE webinars for one price) Webinar 4-Package (4 CE webinars for one price) Individual Webinars Have more than one staff member who needs CE credit? 24 www.ogr.org | The Independent®
$800 ($100 each) $440 ($110 each) $120 each $50 per person/webinar
$960 ($120 each) $540 ($135 each) $150 each $75 per person/webinar
2016
Line-Up • Feb. 11: Creating a Facebook Business Page – Ryan Thogmartin, Disrupt Media Co. • March 8: Maintaining Quality and Productive Personnel – Jake Johnson, Johnson Consulting Group • April 7: Do’s and Don’ts: A Closer Look at Prep Room Safety – Lance Ray, Pierce Chemical • June 16: How to Write an Obituary Worth Reading – Kim Stacey • July 14: Funeral Directors & Legal Advice: Don't Take the Risk – Chris Farmer, The Farmer Firm • Aug. 25: Where does my Business Stand? Benchmarks in Profitability – Dan Isard, The Foresight Companies • Sept. 22: 7 Integrated Components of HR for Small Firms – Stephanie Ramsey, The Foresight Companies • Nov. 10: Topic and Speaker Coming Soon! Visit www.ogr.org/webinars to see our four postconference webinars.
REGISTER TODAY at www.ogr.org/webinars and choose a single, 4-pack, or 8-pack webinar package, and get the most out of your OGR membership! The Independent® | Winter 2016 25
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Young Professionals Event
New Date! Feb. 28 - 29
Conferences My BossLoves Me! BORE Me! A YP Event isn’t your daddy’s conference – think shorter sessions, lots of collaboration, and the chance to direct the dialogue. We’re throwing out the binders and heavy PowerPoint presentations and rolling up our sleeves to get work done and help you find answers.
Topics:
This event isn’t just about fun; it’s about business too. OGR’s YP event will focus on finding progressive solutions to the problems you face. Earn up to 6 hours of continuing education credit, bond with other young funeral service professionals from around the country, and get a chance to see Austin, TX.
Earn 6 CEUs
See Austin Have some fun Pay only $299
• Disruption, Innovation, and Funeral Service – learn how other industries are handling disruption and what funeral service can do too. • Be Your Own Boss: Planning for the Future – discuss how to navigate your financial future like a boss.
• How to Get Buy-In From Management for All My Ideas – practice pitching an idea to a serial entrepreneur and get the results you want. • Solving Your Challenges Workshop – bring your challenges to the table and let us help you work through them.
• Key Strategies to Prevent Burn-Out and Live Balanced Lives – discover the scientific reasons for burnout and what you can do to combat it.
Visit www.ogr.org/young-professionals for a detailed schedule and more info!
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New
Aftercare Packets
Help your families on “The Road to Recovery” ad to The Ro ry Recove
Families rely heavily on your support before and during a service. Updated with new content and a fresh design, this aftercare packet provides your families with support after a service. The healing process can be a long and cumbersome journey, without the help of a good aftercare program.
signed
- Newly De
Content - Updated ooklets - 3 Grief B
The Road to Recovery packets and booklets are ideal to help your families through certain situations. Packet and booklets are imprinted to include your funeral home’s logo and contact information. Road to Recovery Takes Courage letterhead and business cards also available.
The Independent® | Winter 2016 27
Member News
Skorupski Collects Toys
Spencer Skorupski, Skorupski Family Funeral Home, Essexville, MI Skorupski Family Funeral Home hosted a Bay County Toys for Tots drive at its Hampton Township location on Friday, Dec. 4. Their goal was to fill a Michigan State Police vehicle with toys and collect donations for Toys for Tots. By day's end, a Michigan State Police Tahoe was twice filled with upwards of 400 toys and around $700 in monetary donations were collected, according to Spencer Skorupski, owner and funeral director at Skorupski Family Funeral Home. Thank you Spencer for giving back to the community.
Twiford Sponsors Wreaths
Twiford Funeral Home, Elizabeth City, MC was honored to be a sponsor of Wreaths Across America. The ceremony took place on December 12th, 2015 in New Hollywood Cemetery, Elizabeth City, NC. Their first annual Wreaths Across America ceremony shared in remembering and honoring our veterans this Christmas season in such a memorable way. Wreaths were laid on 500+ graves of veterans that are buried in New Hollywood Cemetery.
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Pray Helps Memorialize Vets.
OGR Member Pray Funeral Home, helped design plaques for 3 deputies who were killed in the line of duty. Joe E. Pray and Tyler Pray helped with the effort by designing the plaques which feature the deputies photographs. Pray was honored to take part in the effort and the ceremonies. The Sheriff 's Office placed memorial plaques on the graves of the three deputies who lost their lives in the line of duty in Eaton County.
Stygar Offers Online Lifesaver Owners Jeffery Stygar and his brother John “Steven” Stygar, Stygar Family of Funeral Service, St. Charles, MO seized the opportunity to assist the local St. Charles and Florissant First Responders through a marketing initiative which could potentially save lives. The Stygars have made available, for free, to everyone in their local community to download the Vital ICE App – the in case of emergency app. The Vital ICE App allows for every individual that takes the opportunity to download it on their phone to have the peace of mind that, even in a life-threatening situations, their pertinent information is readily available to assist the paramedics and EMT’s in providing the proper treatment.
TIMELINE
1940 – 1950: Ross-Becker Funeral Home 1950 – 1985: Ross Funeral Home 1985 – 1992: Ross-Plummer Funeral Home 1992 – present: Plummer Funeral Home
Outstanding service award presented to Terry as President of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association.
Making a difficult time easier is important. That’s why we give you choices in services and costs. And our dedicated staff is always willing to go the extra mile in all aspects of the funeral process.
Member News
We appreciate the families in our community and our utmost concern is to preserve the service you have come to expect from us.
Celebrating 75 Years
Cotrell Presents Plaque
As we work toward a century of serving our community, we take this opportunity to renew our commitment to providing comfort, understanding and professional service for many years to come.
Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) Exemplary Service Award
This past Veterans Day, the Cotrell funeral home participated in a Veterans Day program put on by the Poplar Bluff Veterans’ Council to recognize all veterans of all wars. The program took place at the Veterans’ Wall at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, MO. The program included a welcome conducted by John Holland, Commander of VFW Memorial Post 6477. There was also an invocation, pledge of allegiance, national anthem, and wreath presentation. Cotrell Funeral Home’s own Bruce Goin, embalmer and funeral director at the funeral home, presented a plaque to the SEMO Veterans Honor Guard.
OGR Members vs. Pheasants
Thank you to Kevin Opsahl of Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Yankton , SD for organizing the OGR 2015 Pheasant Hunt in Gregory, SD. Some in attendance were Bill Brock, Bud Wieting & Tom Hemmerle.
404 East Union Avenue | Litchfield, IL 62056 Terry Plummer, Licensed Funeral Director serving Litchfield families for 30 years.
800-324-3939 www.plummerfuneralservices.com | plumrfh@consolidated.net
2015 MKJ Marketing
Right: Thank you notes from numerous families who were served.
Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield, IL recently celebrated their 75th anniversary as a family-owned funeral home and the anniversary of Terry Plummer, who has been serving families in the Litchfield area for 30 years. "As we work toward a century of serving our community, we take this opportunity to renew our commitment to providing comfort, understanding and professional service for many years to come. Making a difficult time easier is important. That’s why we offer choices in services and costs. And our dedicated staff is always willing to go the extra mile in all aspects of the funeral process," said Terry Plummer.
Kolssak Takes it to the next Level
John Kolssak, Kolssak Funeral Home, Chicago, IL is on the way to becoming the first funeral home in the state to be granted a newly created liquor license which would allow them to serve alcohol during funerals and wakes, as long as food also is served. “The climate is changing. They’re wanting things different than it used to be. Life celebration has been a key word that has been kicked around in our industry for many years,” said Kolssak. The Kolssak family has been looking for years for outside-the-box ways of serving the families of people who have died. Kolssak sees alcohol sales as taking it to the next level. The Independent® | Winter 2016 29
In Memoriam
Remembering
Family & Friends Malcolm M. "Mal" Brown Malcolm M. "Mal" Brown, III age 65, died Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. On June 17th of 1950, Malcolm and Irene Brown welcomed a bouncing baby boy into the world, Malcolm Marvin Brown the Third. Mal may have been born the third, but throughout his life he was never satisfied with anything but first. Beginning with his days at Marion Senior High, playing football or his favorite sport, wrestling, Mal brought a passion and excitement to everything he did. He was focused, determined, and successful. Mal Brown was a bigger than life individual with a massive heart. As much as Mal valued his work, he loved living and making a difference, as evidenced by the diverse clubs and organizations he worked with; a Big Brother, Shriner, Boy Scout Leader, Marion Housing Authority board member, a Rotarian and a Sunday school teacher as he was a lifelong member of Marion's First United Methodist Church, Mal worked to make life better for others. In over forty years of managing his family business, he made Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory a leader locally, regionally, and nationally. Just this year, Seaver-Brown received The Pursuit of Excellence award from the National Funeral Directors Association. The Pursuit of Excellence is the premiere recognition program for funeral homes, setting standards of excellence that motivate staff, inspire innovation, and provide families with World Class Service.
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Mal was many things to many different people. He was a mentor, an industry leader, and an encourager, just to name a few. Mal Brown was the rock in his family. His proudest titles were husband, father, and grandfather. The latest love of his life, his granddaughter, was his newest experience and the one person who could make him feel great, even when he felt the worst. Mal and Zoe absolutely adored one another. Until the day he died, Mal Brown was The Funeral Director in Smyth County. No one loved people or life more than Mal. It was evident in every facet of his living. He was loved by family, friends, his community, and many in his industry. Mal Brown will be missed. He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm M. Brown, Jr. Mal is survived by his wife, Sharon Rouse Brown; son, Malcolm M. Brown, IV; daughter-in-law, Dr. Jenna S. Moore; granddaughter, Zoe Aurelia Brown; mother, Irene Preston Brown; sister, Becky Brown Rankin; niece, "Uncle" Emily Rankin; sisters-in-law, Carol Sullins and husband, Ernie, Bobbie Jo Carty and husband, Mike, Norma Beidleman and husband, Dennis Key, and Peggy Hickman and husband, Fred; and several nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, Connie Dancaster.
Neil E. Carlson Neil Earl Carlson, age 59, passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on September 23, 2015. Loving husband of Jacqueline (nee VanGieson). Cherished and loved father to Grady, Brittany, and Paige. Son of Katherine and Earl (deceased). Stepfather to
Nicholas and Nena Gamboa. Brother to Michael (Karen), Kathleen Bolan, Patrick (Patricia), Mary (Tim) Marcovy, Carleen (Rick), and Sean (deceased) and Lani (deceased) Carlson. Uncle and friend to many. Neil graduated from Padua Franciscan High School in 1974 and later graduated from Ohio University in 1978. He played football at both. Neil enjoyed sports including football and basketball. Neil was a funeral director for Carlson Funeral Homes for over 30 years. Neil most enjoyed spending time with his family and golfing. He was very active in the community. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will both be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 929 Pearl Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212 on Saturday, September 26, 2015. Please meet at church for visitation from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Mass will immediately follow. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City.
Katharine Carlson Katharine Carlson (nee Colaric), passed away November 23, 2015 at her residence. As she always stated, "It's been a slice." She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Earl in 2000. With seven children, twenty-one grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren, she delighted in confidential listening. She and Earl came to Brunswick in 1961 to open a family funeral home in a small community of neighborly people, which they both truly enjoyed. Prior to opening in Brunswick, Carlson Funeral Home had its first funeral home in Sherwood, Ohio. The family also opened funeral homes in Garrettsville and Medina. She was a secretary
In Memoriam to Navy admirals in San Diego during World War II and to the President of American Greetings in Cleveland, Ohio, before giving her full attention to a growing community. Katharine was a grateful woman. Katharine is survived by her loving children, Dr. Michael (Karen nee, Chapman), Kathleen Bolan, Patrick (Patricia nee, Turnick), Mary (Tim) Marcovy, Neil - deceased, (Jacqueline nee, Van Gieson), Carleen (Rick Hamrick), and Sean - deceased, (Lani nee, Burk, deceased).
Grace W. Davis Mrs. Grace Waters Davis “Miss Grace”, age 80, of Covington formerly of Lithonia, passed away November 2, 2015. She was born in the Swords Community of Morgan County on November 6, 1934 to the late Herbert F. and Ella Ray Chaffin Waters. Mrs. Davis was a longtime member of the First
Baptist Church of Lithonia where she taught Sunday school for many years. She owned and operated East DeKalb Daycare in Lithonia for 27 years. Mrs. Davis loved to travel and spend time with her family. She moved to the Benton House in Covington where she lived these last few years and was a champion bingo player. Mrs. Davis was a loving caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Major Harold B. Davis in 2003 and her brother Gene Waters in 2005.
Ava Grace, Victor, Charlie Elizabeth and Davis Adalyn her sister and brother-in-law; Miriam and Duncan Feeney and her sister-in-law and brother-inlaw; Cecille and Greg Cown along with a host of other family and close friends all of whom she loved dearly.
Mrs. Davis is survived by her sons; Billy Davis of Conyers, Danny Davis of Shady Dale and Tommy and Mary Evelyn Davis of Covington her grandchildren; Jennifer and Brian Rodriquez, Leah Davis, Jeff Davis, Erica Davis, Chad Davis, Ashley and Parks McIntosh, Alex Davis, Amber Davis and Shelby Davis her great grandchildren;
Your first call when you need a helping hand. Do you feel there are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done? Well, help has arrived! Ask the OGR Concierge. Whether you need assistance finding a unique product, gathering information for price comparisons or coming up with the right service provider, simply ask the OGR Concierge. With member concierge services we can offer you problem-solving and time-saving solutions. Access this Exclusive Member service by calling Maureen Hayes at (800) 637-8030. “With over 18 years of experience working directly with members and industry suppliers, I am always here and happy to help. ”Maureen Hayes, Member Concierge The Independent® | Winter 2016 31
Exemplary Service
A B &
bove eyond
Every Thursday we feature members who have gone Above & Beyond.
the Golden Rule
facebook.com/goldenrulefh
These members have been cited for providing exemplary service, going beyond expected service levels, and are now eligible for the Winners Circle Exemplary Service Awards. Winners will be honored at the 2016 Annual Conference & Supplier Showcase. Comments submitted by families responding to Family Contact Surveys. Linnemann Funeral Homes | Erlanger, KY Their sincere compassion and concern were a great source of comfort to my family and not once did we feel like we were rushed through the planning stages of our Mom’s funeral. They made themselves available 24/7 on a cold, snowy weekend to assist us in preparing the memorial brochure and video for the visitation both of which were beautifully done. Even though Mom’s funeral was somewhat preplanned, the staff went over every detail with us and listened intently to all of the comments and memories we shared, and there are 8 of us so you can only imagine the conversing that took place. Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory| Barrington, IL Every time that I spoke with and met with various members of the staff, I was impressed with their professionalism, perceptiveness, and thoughtfulness. I met with Peggy Woods at Davenport not long after I had called to obtain some preliminary information. Ms. Woods was all that I might have hoped for in this situation. She and every other person that I met and worked with at Davenport seemed to immediately understand that I needed to remain business-like and as light-hearted as possible for me to endure the circumstances. I will always be very grateful for that. Every person from
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Ms. Woods to Jack Davenport to the lady that helped me complete the decisions on the memorial card was so helpful and supportive. I am very grateful to each one of them. At such a difficult time, they allowed me to laugh and helped me to remain steady. Bless them. Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Culter Mortuaries| Omaha, NE There were legal issues and family drama associated with this funeral. Mr. Twit and both Mr. Culters went above and beyond in their professionalism. Not only was I walked through each step of the process, but they fielded multiple phone calls and visits from people who were not directly involved in the situation. Each time, they displayed grace and caring with all involved. I am sure that these issues happen more frequently than I would like to think, but I was so very impressed with the way things were handled. They kept me updated as each event transpired and I was lucky to have had them in my corner. Flora Funeral Service | Rocky Mount, VA Mr. Flora and the whole staff at Flora Funeral Service is the best overall. They were courteous and so empathetic. Mr. Flora is truly one of kind person! He is a true gentleman!! Top notch and nothing could've been done better. Our family was truly blessed to find this
funeral home. Their staff grief counselor contacted me the day after the funeral, which was very thoughtful and made us even more grateful that we chose to do business with Lee Flora at Flora Funeral Service. Wenner Funeral Home | Richmond, MN Pat & Jim were both so respectful when dealing with them. They treated my baby as if it were their own. They made him look amazing. They never rushed us. They let me come see him anytime I wanted. Jim was so helpful when it came to helping us arrange the funeral. We felt comfortable with him. He told us about losing his son and we felt like part of a family. Jim always made sure we were okay with the next step. He talked to our pallbearers and had them informed. When it came time to close the casket he let us take our time and did not rush through saying goodbye. He was there to support us the whole way. I can never say thank you enough to this funeral home. Shaughnessey-Banks Funeral Home | Fairfield, CT The staff was truly loving and compassionate and patient. They took my hand from the moment I walked through the door for the first time and are still holding it. This was a devastating time for me, and Pam took all my Irish upbringings and memories and produced the perfect
Exemplary Service Irish funeral and “after” for me. No one could have planned and executed a more perfect final send off for my Dad. Everything was beautiful the wake, the funeral even the “thank you” cards. Everything had a Celtic theme. My father was surrounded by his heritage and everyone is still speaking to me about how wonderful his sendoff was. Without the girls from Shaughnessey-Banks, it would not have been the perfect funeral that my father deserved. Fry Funeral Home| Tipton, IA Amber took extraordinary means to acquire the media and photos to produce a professional yet unique document. Their ability to coordinate the activities of the hospital, the church and the cemetery was exemplary. They were constantly on top of all the details while never creating a sense of demand or urgency. David and Amber immediately created a personal connection and made our entire family feel we were their one and only concern. They created a light and caring ambience while still maintaining the respect and dignity the occasion demanded. Schuyler Hill Funeral Home | Bronx, NY Mr. McQuade and his staff took the time to explain each part of the process. We were never rushed. They were patient and answered all of our questions. They took the time to understand our needs as a family and our requests for the services. This day and age everything is all about the money, but absolutely not the case here. We were never talked into anything that we didn’t want or need. We wanted the burial to occur during the week; unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn’t very cooperative, as we had huge snow storms. Mr. McQuade and his staff did all of the coordination in order to make everything happen and honored all of our requests. Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home | Covington, GA My father’s body was brought in while we were in the course of planning, and I asked if I could see him and say my final goodbye to him when he arrived as I had not had
a chance to be at the hospital when he did die because I was tasked with the actual arrangements. Not only did they graciously agree, but they placed him, draped and cleaned up, in a beautiful room with flowers, candles and soft music. I will never forget the peace and serenity of the room, its warmth and the trouble they went through for my request. It meant the world to me. I had also requested a very special accommodation for our particular faith, the Baha’l Faith, which is that friends or family wash the body (males to males, females to females) in order for it to be clean as it returns to the earth and wrap him in muslin (there is no embalming). Cherie understood completely the tradition and the Baha’l law and had no problem granting us this very spiritual experience and privilege for our close male relatives who were provided a reverent and peaceful space to do all of this. Graham Funeral Home | Chesapeake, VA We have known the fine folks at Graham Funeral Home for years and love everyone there. My dad was in the ministry for over 50 years and anytime he had to do a funeral he always hoped it was at Graham’s. They are just like family. They are fine folks. When my dad passed away Scott took care of everything himself and did a great job. He and his workers all have a heart for this work. They have a love for people. They are special people. The night that my dad passed after I got back home, a gentleman from Graham’s called and told me “Scott just went to pick up your dad and we are bringing him here to the funeral home—we are going to be with him and we’re going to take good care of him.” Somehow this made everything better.
Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home| Decatur, IN They provided a lovely place and staff for the funeral dinner. They provided extra DVD’s of the funeral. They were very sensitive and caring. Dad’s funeral was during a time of general flooding in that area and we had concerns that the roads to the cemetery may not be passable. Mr. Jahn personally drove 3 different routes to the cemetery before finding open roads. His first-hand observations of the cemetery site allowed us not to travel there. His staff accompanied Dad’s remains to the cemetery and stayed with Dad until the burial was completed at the very muddy site. It was such a comfort to us to know that Dad was never left alone. Mark Jahn and his staff have stayed in contact with us to provide continued support. They also have a nice website for us to post stories and photos on. We have appreciated all of this very much! Their service has been outstanding!
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Milestone Anniversaries
MEMBERSHIP makes a difference Fewer than 5 percent of funeral homes in North America have earned the right to hang an OGR plaque in their funeral homes. That plaque stands for something: It means you’re an OGR funeral home of prestige; you’re an OGR funeral home that operates with integrity; you’re an OGR funeral home that extends the golden rule of service to your community. Most importantly, it means you’re in the OGR family. The following members are celebrating milestone anniversaries in January, February and March.
45 Years | January 1971 Jordan Funeral Home Kosciusko, MS
70 Years | February 1946 Copeland Ltd. Funeral Service Coraopolis, PA
55 Years | March 1961 LeRoy Rader Funeral Home, Inc. Longview, TX
55 Years | January 1961 McDougald Funeral Home Anderson, SC
5 Years | March 2011 Eggers Funeral Home and Crematory Chesnee, SC
55 Years | March 1961 Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel Sioux City, IA
15 Years | February 2001 Morton’s Mortuary, Inc. Bridgeport, CT 20 Years | February 1996 Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home, Inc. Lebanon, TN 55 Years | February 1961 Byles-MacDougall Funeral Service, Inc. New London, CT 55 Years | February 1961 Schmidt Funeral Home West Bend, WI 60 Years | February 1956 Williams-Thomas Funeral Homes Gainesville, FL
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30 Years | March 1986 Kolssak Funeral Home, Ltd. Wheeling, IL 35 Years | March 1981 Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Morehead, KY 40 Years | March 1976 Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Chapel Belvidere, IL 40 Years | March 1976 Schuyler Hill Funeral Home Bronx, NY
55 Years | March 1961 Pugh Funeral Home, Inc. Asheboro, NC 55 Years | March 1961 Rader Funeral Home, Inc. Kilgore, TX 55 Years | March 1961 Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home Decatur, IN 70 Years | March 1946 Langeland Family Funeral Homes Kalamazoo, MI
New Members
Supply Partners: Memorial Payment Solutions Warren, MI www.memorialpay.com Eric Castiglia (855) 677-7297 eric@memorialpay.com
One Room Funeral Webcasting Las Vegas, NV www.oneroomfunerals.com Callum Winsor (844) 437-9475 callum@oneroomfunerals.com
Memorial Payment Solutions, LLC is a single source solution for at-need funeral payments. Our software is intuitively designed with funeral directors involved in development. As our industry moves away from traditional sources of revenue, Time/Cost of Money becomes critical. Memorial Payment Solutions, LLC offers a single stop for Credit Card Processing, Check EFT (electronic funds transfer), Insurance Assignments, At Need Loans and Payroll Processing. We have the lowest American Express rates in the industry! Is 1 hour of your time worth up to $12,000.00? We save our customers 9% to 46% on credit card processing cost per year.
One Room provides the industries only fully automated webcasting solution. Our service allows for funeral directors to book the service in our system, and stream it to the family and friends of the deceased, anywhere on the planet. Our recordings are compatible with any computer, or mobile device without the need of downloading or installing further software. Our purpose is to connect individuals with services they may otherwise not have the opportunity to be a part of; giving them the ability to pay their respects and remember their loved ones.
Member benefit: $29.99 set up and $10.00 Application fees waived. Members receive $99 off hardware.
Member benefit: the first four months of retainer fees at no charge. Plus, members will not be charged an additional per service fee should they exceed the number of services per month in their package.
Funeral Home Member:
Educator Member:
James H. Davis Funeral Home Primary Contact: William T. Boyle, III 3009 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301 P: (270) 683-5377 F: (270) 685-3095 webmaster@davisfuneralhome.com www.davisfuneralhome.com
Kim Stacey Ben Lomond, CA
Affiliate Member: Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals & Cremation Service Primary Contact: Cecilia Scalia-Moran 3377 U.S. Highway 9 Old Bridge, NJ 08857 P: (732) 679-4422 F: (732) 679-7388 www.hegartyfuneralhome.com
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